more on immigrant detention fees
Jun. 25th, 2009 12:26 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
crazyjaneThe debate on the abolition of detention fees for asylum seekers goes on. Today, the member for Cowan proved that Wilson Tuckey isn't the only disgusting racist in Parliament (or, as Crikey commentator First Dog on the Moon put it, 'subhuman filth').
Bronwyn Bishop had this to say on the subject of making people pay for the cost of their own detention: 'It's not unusual, it's a fair and reasonable thing to do. It's in the best interests of Australia, and in the best interests of those seeking to come to Australia'.
I'm wondering how she justifies that, considering that we don't charge people who are incarcerated in prisons or mental health facilities for the cost of their detention. Somehow, the crime of desperation - of suffering such terrible stress that it drives people to risk their lives and cross the ocean in leaky boats - is worse than the crime of, say, murder.
On a more encouraging note, Russell Broadbent and Petro Georgiou have signalled their intention to cross the floor and vote in support of abolishing this atrocious practice. Broadbent, in fact, is up in front of the House right now doing a massive mea culpa for having been part of the Parliament who introduced this 'vile legislation' (his words) in 1992. 'God forgive me,' he just said.
This is the text of an email sent to both of these MPs:
"I am writing to offer my sincere congratulations for your brave stand in opposing your Party's decision to vote against the abolition of charging detainees the cost of their incarceration.
"As I noted from your speeches in the House, this is clearly a decision that has caused some distress. Standing up in Parliament as you did, and signalling your intention to vote your conscience on this matter, is an exceptionally brave act, and shows you to be a person of great integrity.
"On behalf of my family, I thank you for this decision, and I would ask that you please pass on my thanks to any other Members of Parliament who are taking similar actions."
Both those men - and, reportedly, at least two others - have drawn large targets on themselves by choosing to act like decent human beings instead of politicians. I think they deserve all the support they can get.
Bronwyn Bishop had this to say on the subject of making people pay for the cost of their own detention: 'It's not unusual, it's a fair and reasonable thing to do. It's in the best interests of Australia, and in the best interests of those seeking to come to Australia'.
I'm wondering how she justifies that, considering that we don't charge people who are incarcerated in prisons or mental health facilities for the cost of their detention. Somehow, the crime of desperation - of suffering such terrible stress that it drives people to risk their lives and cross the ocean in leaky boats - is worse than the crime of, say, murder.
On a more encouraging note, Russell Broadbent and Petro Georgiou have signalled their intention to cross the floor and vote in support of abolishing this atrocious practice. Broadbent, in fact, is up in front of the House right now doing a massive mea culpa for having been part of the Parliament who introduced this 'vile legislation' (his words) in 1992. 'God forgive me,' he just said.
This is the text of an email sent to both of these MPs:
"I am writing to offer my sincere congratulations for your brave stand in opposing your Party's decision to vote against the abolition of charging detainees the cost of their incarceration.
"As I noted from your speeches in the House, this is clearly a decision that has caused some distress. Standing up in Parliament as you did, and signalling your intention to vote your conscience on this matter, is an exceptionally brave act, and shows you to be a person of great integrity.
"On behalf of my family, I thank you for this decision, and I would ask that you please pass on my thanks to any other Members of Parliament who are taking similar actions."
Both those men - and, reportedly, at least two others - have drawn large targets on themselves by choosing to act like decent human beings instead of politicians. I think they deserve all the support they can get.
